Staff Members

NATALIE ATIAS, Junior Accountant

natalie.atias@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5889
Natalie joined US Squash in March 2017 and provides support to the financial department by managing the daily accounting tasks. Prior to working at US Squash, and while attending school, Natalie worked at various public CPA firms. A recent 2016 Accounting graduate from Baruch College, she’s eager about getting on the court and learning all about the game.

GRAHAM BASSETT, Victor Elmaleh Director of Doubles and Professional Squash

graham.bassett@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5905
Graham joined US Squash in June 2014 and is responsible for assisting with the management of all aspects of professional singles and doubles squash tours in the US. Graham played varsity squash at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 2007. After college, Graham worked as a teaching professional at the Round Hill Club, CityView Racquet Club and The Heights Casino. Graham played on the PSA tour and competed for the US National Team earning a bronze medal at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Graham currently competes on the SDA Pro Tour and serves on its Board of Directors.

GREG BORN, Technology Services Manager

greg.born@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090
Greg has been with US Squash since 2015 and is responsible for implementing advanced technologies that enhance the player, coach, parent and spectator experiences at squash venues. He evangelizes the use of Club Locker’s live scoring applications and champions the use of Club Locker scoring data to make watching and playing squash at squash venues better through scoreboards, digital signs and other technologies. He brings with him experience and skills from a 30 year career in software development, consulting and entrepreneurial activities. He is currently an assistant coach for the Bates College squash teams and is a co-founder and board member of Portland Community Squash in Portland, Maine. He lives in southern Maine and is an avid fan of being outdoors and loves spending time with his family.

BILL BUCKINGHAM, Senior Director of Member and Support Services

bill.buckingham@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5884
Bill joined US Squash in July 2007 and manages individual, team and club membership programs and drives all online and offline communication. Prior to working at US Squash, Bill spent the previous eight years as Sports Marketing Director for the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau. In this capacity, Bill marketed the region as a venue for sporting event rights holders and national governing bodies, including US Squash, to host their tournaments and national championships. The events Bill helped recruit resulted in an estimated economic impact of thirty-five million dollars to the region. Bill is also a founding board member of Squash Haven, the New Haven urban squash and education program.

KIM CLEARKIN, Vice President of Programs and Events

kim.clearkin@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5898
Kim joined US Squash in July 2015 as Director of Events and is responsible for managing all National Events and JCTs including singles and doubles. She also leads the US Squash Women’s committee. Kim started her professional life as a Management Consultant transitioning to squash after having children. For the last 5 years Kim was the Director of Squash at Bay Club San Francisco and prior to that at Bay Club Redwood Shores. While in California Kim served on the Board of NorCal Squash and was a US Squash Regional coach, helping to grow West Coast junior squash to where it is today. Kim started playing squash at Oxford University, where she captained the team and earned her Blue. A U.S. National champion, Kim now plays recreationally at Chelsea Piers CT.

NED EDWARDS, Executive Director, Arlen Specter US Squash Center

ned.edwards@ussquash.com
Ned joined US Squash in 2017 as the Executive Director of the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. After leading the successful pursuit of securing the Specter Center, Edwards transitioned to overseeing all Specter Center operations. Ned graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in International Relations, and also earned an Executive Master’s Degree in Public Health from Columbia University. A four-time, first team All-American at Penn, and the number one ranked U.S. amateur in 1979 and 1980, Edwards went on to a remarkable pro career and was ranked number two on the tour for six years. He set the standard for international play by leading U.S. teams in five world championships. Ned was inducted in to the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame in 2003. After pro squash, Edwards coached the men’s varsity team at his alma mater in the early 1990’s for six years before moving on to work in a variety of roles in New York City, including for luxury sporting club real estate developers, DPS, the Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management Group, as a partner at the executive search firm of Ingram & Aydelotte, and the Philadelphia-based Park America, Inc.

ADAM HAMILL, Director of Professional Development

adam.hamill@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5896
Adam joined US Squash in July 2015 as Director of Professional Development. Adam oversees the delivery of certifications and programs for professionals, coaches and facilities. Responsibilities also include implementing and management of affiliate programs and conferences. Prior to working at US Squash Adam worked at Germantown Cricket Club for ten years as Head Squash Professional and Head Coach for Germantown Friends Varsity program. Originally from Scotland, Adam gained degrees in Sports Coaching & Development and BS in Sports Science.

DAN HEINRICH, Director of Analytics and Web Services

dan.heinrich@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5888
Dan joined US Squash in September 2010 and currently oversees data analytics and manages web support services. Dan was a program manager with US Squash during the 2010-2012 seasons and continued on as the Director of Junior Development from 2012-2014. More recently, Dan was the Director of Analytics and Business Development for the organization from 2014-2015 and then transitioned to his current role. He also recently finished part-time business school and got his MBA from NYU Stern. Prior to US Squash, Dan was a squash teaching professional in Minnesota at the Lakeville Life Time Fitness Club and was a Sales and Marketing Intern for the Minnesota Swarm Professional Lacrosse team. He started playing squash at Colby College and continues to play recreationally in New York City.

LAURELLE HOLLEY, Marketing and Events Manager

laurelle.holley@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5903
Laurelle joined US Squash full-time in July 2016 as a Program Manager, and is responsible for managing fundraising initiatives for the organization in addition to its social media presence. A 2016 Sport Management graduate from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Laurelle has been working with US Squash on a part-time and seasonal basis since April 2014. During that time, she worked on a variety of areas around the U.S. Open Squash Championships and currently oversees production, special events, and sponsor relations. As a dancer, a former competitive figure skater and track & field athlete; she has enjoyed learning the game and getting on court.

KEVIN KLIPSTEIN, President & Chief Executive Officer

kevin.klipstein@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5881
Since Kevin joined US Squash in December 2004, membership has increased 165%, and participation in the US has increased 178% to 1.6 million players according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. In addition, long term management partnerships have been established with all major squash bodies in the U.S. including the College Squash Association (CSA), the New England Interscholastic Squash Association (NEISA), and the National Urban Squash and Education Association (NUSEA), where Kevin serves as one of the original members of the Board of Directors.

Prior to US Squash, Kevin worked for Sun Microsystems in the Worldwide Marketing Operations group. Kevin also managed worldwide sponsorships, which included negotiating sales and marketing deals with MLB.com and a multi-year relationship with the National Hockey League. Prior to Sun, Kevin worked in the corporate consulting division of the sports marketing firm ProServ. Kevin graduated with a B.S. from Cornell University, where he was a four-year member of the varsity squash team. His senior year, he was a co-captain and recognized as an All-American Honorable Mention.

PHILIP LEE, Vice President of Finance and Administration

philip.lee@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5240
Philip joined US Squash in June 2016 and is responsible for all areas relating to finance and administration. Prior to working at US Squash, Philip was the COO/Controller at a logistics firm where he was responsible for all aspects of finance, administrative functions, human resources, information technology, legal and facilities. Philip has more than ten years of experience as a controller. As an avid sports fan, he’s excited about learning to play squash.

CHRIS MCCLINTICK, Director of Communications

chris.mcclintick@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5894
Chris joined US Squash in January 2013 and coordinates online and offline communications. Chris attended the University of Richmond where he was an International Studies: Modern Europe major. Prior to working at US Squash, Chris interned at World Football Daily, a daily soccer radio show, and was a freelance correspondent for the German Bundesliga during his time abroad in Muenster, Germany. Chris got his start in squash playing all four years at his hometown school, the Mercersburg Academy, and continues to play recreationally at CityView Racquet Club.

PRESTON QUICK, Director of UX & UI

preston.quick@ussquash.com ; 212-268-4090 ext. 5890
Preston joined US Squash in June 2011 and is responsible for all aspects of squash doubles programming including the accreditation (sanctioning) and support of tournaments, rankings, hosting the national championships and development programs. Prior to joining US Squash, Preston served as the head squash professional at the Union Boat Club in Boston and was the assistant pro at the Field Club of Greenwich for three years. Quick served on the US Squash Board of Directors for two years in the capacity of Athlete Representative, and served on the Massachusetts Squash board for three years. Quick was also the Executive Director of the College Squash Association for two years, immediately after graduating from Trinity College where he was a four time All-American and played on the team which started the thirteen year unbeaten streak.

RYAN RAYFIELD, Vice President of Technology

ryan.rayfield@ussquash.com; 212-268-4090 ext. 5895
Ryan joined US Squash in July 2012 and leads technology strategy and implementation at the organization. Prior to working at US Squash, Ryan held a position with Accenture in its technology division where he was involved in projects across the technology, consumer goods, and healthcare sectors. After leaving Accenture, he took a position with a small software firm managing their reporting and analytics division. He captained the University of Pennsylvania squash team, graduating in 2008, and has remained active in the sport at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia.

HARRY SMITH, Director of Junior Squash Development

harry.smith@ussquash.com; 212-268-4090 ext. 5893
Harry joined US Squash in September 2012 as a Program Manager. He is responsible for supporting the accredited tournament structure nationally with a focus on improving the tools available for tournament directors, as well as assisting with the implementation of national championships. Prior to working at US Squash, Harry was an intern at a small real estate investment firm between his junior and senior year at Colby College. While at Colby, Harry was the No. 1 player on the men’s varsity squash team all four years and was the captain during his senior year. He continues to play squash recreationally at his local club in Long Island.

HOWARD STICKLEY, Junior Developer

howard.stickley@ussquash.com; 212-268-4090 ext. 5242
Howard joined US Squash in July of 2017 working as part of the software development team. Prior to working at US Squash while continuing his studies, he worked for a defense contractor. He is a part-time student at La Salle University pursuing an MS in Computer Information Science. He is looking forward to playing and learning about squash.

RICH WADE, Senior Director of National Teams & Certifications

rich.wade@ussquash.com; 212-268-4090 ext. 5899
Rich joined US Squash in August 2013 as Director of National Teams and Certifications. He is responsible for further developing all aspects of the national team structure, along with implementing a new officiating program and aiding the development of current or prospective teaching professionals. Rich graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in Sports Development and Recreation in his home country of England. After a short career on the PSA tour, Rich has spent the past four years coaching in Greenwich, CT.

DENT WILKENS, Senior Vice President of Operations

dent.wilkens@ussquash.com; 212-268-4090 ext. 5882
Dent joined US Squash in August 2008 as a Program Manager, and is responsible for US Squash’s organized play and partnerships including those with the College Squash Association and Urban Squash. He also focuses on programs which support teaching professionals and coaches, as well as US Squash’s initiative to seed new middle and high school programs across the country. Prior to working at US Squash, Dent held teaching professional positions at at several clubs in Philadelphia and Boston. He captained the Princeton squash team, graduating in 2007, and helped manage the Princeton squash camp coaching staff for six years.

JAMES ZUG, Senior Correspondent

james.zug@ussquash.com; 212-268-4090 ext. 5887
James Zug joined US Squash in April 2013. An award-winning journalist with a masters in nonfiction writing from Columbia, he writes regularly for many magazines, newspapers and websites, including the Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Fast Company, Outside, Daily Beast, Boston Globe, New Criterion, Tin House and the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. He is the author of six books, including Squash: A History of the Game (Scribner, 2003) and Run to the Roar: Coaching to Overcome Fear (Penguin, 2010) about Trinitys squash coach Paul Assaiante. He has been a senior writer at Squash Magazine since 1998. He captained his squash team at Dartmouth and today is an avid singles and doubles league and tournament player.